JJ From Zimbabwe

 

Jerome, JJ, Age: 23

JJ calls himself 'an entertainer' on the back of his work as a singer, rapper, actor, songwriter and director. He entered Big Brother Hotshots because of the platform the show provides.

He says that viewers can expect to be entertained and to have him for a gym partner every morning. If he wins the money, he'll fix up his parents' house, work on his first international album and donate some money to charity.

JJ loves Italian and Japanese food, his favourite book is Shakespeare's Macbeth. His favourite musicians includes Stevie Wonder, Kanye West and MiCasa's J.Something. He loves the film American Gangster, which stars his favourite actor Denzel Washington.

He believes that the best thing about Africa is that "the people are all full of life". He loves Inyaga in Zimbabwe, and hopes to return to Manchester in England, "home of the greatest football club and where I found my feet and my passion", he says.

JJ prefers the company of ladies and has had his heart broken a couple of times. The charming Zimbabwean enjoys cooking and for his strategy he will choose to let his personality entertain viewers.

Butterphly From Zimbabwe

 Butterphly, Age: 24

Butterphly is a producer, radio and television presenter from Harare, Zimbabwe. She lists her favourite foods as meat, pasta with cheese, black-eyed peas and eggs. Her favourite books include the Bible, The Firm, The Long Goodbye, and the Sherlock Holmes series. She likes to watch Chopped, 24, Intelligence and Big Brother Africa.

"Being on Big Brother Africa will allow me to take the opportunity to market myself and expand my brand', explains Butterphly on why she entered the show. She says that she won't use "backstabbing and cheating or immoral and unethical methods" to get the prize. If she wins, she'll send her sister, brother and kids to really good schools, start a chain of unique food, social and fashion hangout joints and take her mom shopping.

Describing herself as unique, feisty, mysterious and witty, Butterphly says that people are always shocked when they discover that she’s humble and compassionate. She likes people with a sense of humour, honour and truthfulness, and dislikes pretenders.

Butterphly says that she's inspired from all sorts of people. "Ordinary, young, dead, legends – in everyone's life story I try to extract important lessons like resilience, faith, strength etc. I learn as much as I can from the people I meet or read about."

The bubbly Butterphly embraces her inner celebrity and can't wait for Africa to meet her. The ambitious Zimbabwean lass hopes to make herself endearing, in a way that audiences can't survive without keeping her in the Hotshots house.

Check Out Pokello's New Look/Hairstyle

 

Yeah.. we all know the queen of swagger herself, she is one of the most lovely housemates from the 2013 BBA Show. The reality TV star and luxury shoe boutique owner relocated to Ghana where her fiance Elikem is based.

The swag queen has showed us that she has more beauty in her that we haven't seen yet in new pictures as she debuts her new look with a long braid hairstyle.

As you wait for Big Brother Hotshots, feast your eyes on her chic style.

Pokello's Bikini Body Will Leave You Breathless

 
Ghanaian tailor, Elikem Kumordzie proposed to Zimbabwean beauty, Pokello Nare on stage at the 2014 Ghana Music Awards in May and now the two are preparing for their grand wedding in December.

The former Big Brother Africa housemates, who have been holidaying at Sarova Whitesands Hotel in Mombasa, Kenya revealed that, "This is going to be one of the best weddings ever, it will take place in two countries and many have so far been invited," the elated couple said.

Pokello dismissed allegations that she is pregnant, "You can't plan or do away with love, its nature, we real love each other very, very much. He treats me like a queen and no, I'm not pregnant, in fact I have an 11-year-old baby whom I real love taking care of," she said.

She also took the opportunity to flaunt her stunning bikini body. Check out more pics below.

.It was an honour spending time with you guys.....@pokellosexxy @elikem_detailor #sarovawhitesands pic.twitter.com/w2Dzl82VmJ
— SAROVA WHITESANDS (@SAROVAWHITESAND) August 9, 2014

Love On The Beach: Elikem & Pokello Receive Their BBA Prize Package

 

At the end of Big Brother - The Chase last August, Ghana's Elikem serving his Zimbabwean girl Pokello breakfast in bed won the hearts of viewers as the Most Romantic Gesture, making him the Most Romantic Housemate of The Chase.

For this Elikem won a holiday package valued at USD 10,000 and chose to share the prize with his lady love Pokello.

The prize package included: A five-night, all expenses paid stay in a luxury room at the Sarova White Sands Hotel in Mombasa, Kenya, Two return air tickets courtesy of Rwanda Air as well as spending money.

Well, the lovebirds who go by the name "Polikem" are presently enjoying their romantic getaway courtesy of Big Brother.

The couple showed some serious PDA on a day out at sea... and looks like there's no stopping this soon to be married couple. Check out more photos from their vacation below..

Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. ..... pic.twitter.com/tXRZwtNbbZ
— elikem Kumordzie (@ElikemTheTailor) August 7, 2014

Pokello 'Numb' After Elikem's Marriage Proposal

 

Zimbabwean Big Brother Africa star, Pokello Nare shared her joy with her fans on twitter about her boyfriend Elikem Kumordzie's marriage proposal to her.

The Ghanaian "surprised" Pokello on live television during the 2014 Ghana Music Awards with a "Will You Marry Me" question while the two were on the stage to present an award for Best collaboration of the year.

Pokello who seemed confused and shocked for a moment answered "Yes" and reached out for a lovable hug when Elikem got back on his feet. The auditorium echoed with cheers of joy before the couple proceeded to present the award.

She later shared her joy with her fans via twitter: "Those who know me, will tell you I'm very shy. I never saw such a proposal coming and I went numb because of where we were, all eyes on me!"

Those who know me, will tell you I'm very shy. I never saw such a proposal coming and I went numb becoz of where we were.all eyes on me!
— Pokello (@pokellosexxy) May 4, 2014

The love story between Elikem and Pokello started during their time at the Big Brother Africa 'The Chase' reality TV show where they were housemates.

Elikem and Pokello got even closer in the aftermath of the show with each paying visits to the others' home country Ghana/Zimbabwe to meet families and fans.

It would be recalled that Kevin and Elizabeth were the first couple to wed after they hooked in the Big Brother house. And now, it looks like Africa is set to have another BBA wedding!

Engaged! Elikem Proposes To Pokello At Ghana Music Awards

Yes, Big Brother Africa 'The Chase' lovebirds, Elikem Kumordzie and Pokello Nare may be getting married pretty soon. Elikem proposed to Pokello on stage at the 2014 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards which held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) yesterday, May 3, 2014.

The two were on stage to present the award for 'Best collaboration of the year' when Elikem suddenly went down on one knee and popped the question, "will you marry me?". Surprised Pokello said "Yes!"

Well, congrats to them!!!

Photos: Pokello, Elikem & Maria At The 2014 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards Nominations Annoucement

 
It was the prelude to Ghanaian music's biggest night and the stars stepped out in their numbers to see who gets nominated for what in the 2014 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.

The ceremony which took place at the Golden Tulip Hotel on Saturday night was attended by the likes of Kwaw Kese, Stonebowy, Bisa Kdei, D2, Stephanie Benson, KKD, Nicholas Omane Acheampong, Gifty Osei, Jupitar, BBA stars Elikem Kumorzdi, Pokello Nare and Maria Nepembe, among others.

There were also performances by OBY band, Cwasi Oteng, Bisa Kdei, Noella Wiyaala and Jupitar.

By Ameyaw Debrah

Check Out Pokello and Maria In Hot Bikini [Photos]

Former Big Brother Africa housemates, Maria Nepembe from Namibia and Pokello Nare from Zimbabwe, recently shared pictures of themselves having fun at a beach in Accra.

The two were spotted in white vest with Ghanaian colours displayed boldly in front. The pics were captioned: "For now we be reppin GH... world cup is around the corner no.. #teamBlackStars." 

Any words for them?

IK, Vimbai To Host AMVCAs 2014

Zimbabwe's former Big Brother Amplified Housemate Vimbai Mutinhiri will be among the hosts for this year's Africa Magic Viewer's Choice Awards (AMVCA) scheduled for March 8 in Lagos, Nigeria.

Vimbai will co-host the second edition of the awards set to be broadcast live on DStv and GOtv in over 50 countries in Africa, alongside Big Brother Africa host and radio personality IK plus Tinsel star Osas Ighodaro.

M-Net's Biola Alabi says: "IK and Vimbai did a tremendous job of hosting the inaugural AMVCAs. We are confident that with the addition of Osas, this dynamic team will once more keep this exciting and fast-paced live event running smoothly. With more viewer voted categories, the launch of the New Era Award and a sensational new stage, the latest edition of these awards should be bigger and better."

"From witnessing some of the greatest contributors in African film and TV being recognised for their phenomenal work, to watching fresh faces embarking on new journeys into the industry, the evening is a reminder of how much work, passion and commitment goes into film and TV. Plus the nominees have helped drive African film into contemporary culture and modernity in so many ways, so it will be great to see who takes the first New Era Award," said Vimbai.

A galaxy of African film and TV stars are expected to attend the glittering industry showcase, where a total of 29 awards in 27 categories will be awarded. 137 nominations from across 80 productions have been received.

By Elly Gitau / The Star

Pokello Gets Her First Nollywood Movie Role

 

 Zimbabwean beauty and former BBA Chasemate, Pokello Nare says she has landed her first role in a Nollywood movie. And she cannot stop laughing.

"Reading this script I got for my 1st movie in Naija. Lol I'm laughing my ass off. I'm trying to picture myself in this role! Kikikikiki," she tweeted without giving anything away about the role she has been asked to play or what the movie is all about.

She added : "Lol, I need to get serious and read these lines. Coz the way I'm laughing is not productive!"

Pokello is a businesswoman but has always fancied her chances as an actress. Her boyfriend, Ghanaian, Elikem, has a few movies under his belt. He is an okay actor but tailoring is probably the future for him.

Reading this script I got for my 1st movie in Naija. Lol I'm laughing my ass off. I'm trying to picture myself in this role! Kikikikiki
— Pokello (@pokellosexxy) January 11, 2014

Lol, I need to get serious and read these lines. Coz the way I'm laughing is not productive!
— Pokello (@pokellosexxy) January 11, 2014

Pokello Causes Stir In Court

A shop attendant at the Belvedere shop of former Big Brother Africa housemate, Pokello Nare was yesterday sentenced to perform 140 hours of community service for stealing the US$60 paid for a pair of ladies shoes.

However, all eyes were on Nare as people jostled to get a glimpse of her as she attended the trial.

Diana Rukezo (35), who was employed as a shop attendant at the shop in Long Cheng Plaza in Belvedere was convicted of stealing US$60.

Rukezo pleaded not guilty to fraud charges, but magistrate Ms Tilda Mutambanashe convicted her after overwhelming evidence.

Ms Mutambanashe sentenced Rukezo to eight months in prison but suspended three months on condition of good behaviour in the next three years. Another month was suspended on condition she pays back the US$60 and the remaining four months were suspended on condition of 140 hours of community service.

Prosecutor Thomas Mabwe told the court that on December 20 last year a customer bought a pair of shoes in Pokello’s shop and Rukezo receipted the money . But the next afternoon, the customer came back with the shoes she bought in the shop complaining that one shoe was torn.

In the absence of Rukezo, Ms Nare dealt with the customer, who gave her the receipt.

Ms Nare then found that the receipt was out of sequence and was told the customer received it from Rukezo, who was questioned later, but could not satisfy Ms Nare.

By The Herald, Zimbabwe

Maneta Cuts Off Her Hair; Check Out Her New Look!

Former BBA StarGame housemate from Zimbabwe, Maneta Mazanhi has cut off her hair and now rocks this low cut hairstyle.

The candidate attorney, who now looks different from her usual self shared the transformation via Twitter. What do you think of this look?

Maneta Goes Into Hair & Beauty Business

Former Big Brother Africa housemate, Maneta Mazanhi is now into buying and selling hair and beauty products in Harare. The eye candy, who was booted out of the reality series after a tiff with fellow countryman Rockford Josphats in last year's season, is seen driving around town in her VW Beetle bought by businessman Wicknell Chivayo.

"Yes, I am running a small business supplying beauty and hair products. The only thing is I don't sell to individuals, but to companies that buy in bulk," she said.

Asked whether she bought the car from the profits from her business, Maneta opened up saying she got the car from her brother Wicknell.

"Well, I got the car from Wicknell. It wasn't a present as such, but he was just honouring his promise. You remember he promised to buy the car for me and I guess he is a man of his word," she said.

Contacted for comment, Wicknell said he bought the car sometime last year.

"Don't you think it is now water under the bridge? That car was bought last year and I even paid her university fees for two years in advance.

What happened is that I wanted to buy her a VW Polo for US$28 000, but she opted for a smaller and cheaper car that is why she is driving a VW Beetle," he said.

By The Herald - Zimbabwe

Vimbai Tries Her Hand At Acting

Big Brother Africa Amplified (BBA) housemate and Star Gist co-host Vimbai Mutinhiri is branching out into acting. We had a chat with her about her debut film role in the movie Finding Love which also stars former BBA housemates.

The movie is directed by Kabat-Esosa Egbon.

How did the opportunity to act in the movie come about?

This opportunity was quite a fluke. I was approached by the production team who had literally been keeping an eye on me since Big Brother Amplified. I received a phone call out of the blue one day and I expressed an interest in viewing the script and instantly fell in love with it.

Which familiar faces are in the movie?

The movie features Bryan Okwara, Tinsel's Victor Olaotan as well as Luclay Misoya and Babalwa Mneno.

When did you go and shoot the movie and who long did it take?

Finding Love is a Nollywood movie with a twist. The movie has six stories within it. I was able to shoot my role in South Africa. This was shot in November last year, and shooting in SA went on for about three weeks.

What character are you playing?

I play a successful young professional called Zara. She's a young lady who is coming into her own and is somewhat secretive and reserved, and seems to hold herself and her desires back under her colleague and friend Iva's shadow as Iva is much more outspoken and outgoing (Iva played by Babalwa Mneno). This manifests itself in a rivalry of sorts and the dynamic between the two builds up into a juicy and hilarious story line when cute boy Uche (Luclay Misoya) is thrown into the mix.

How did you find the transition from hosting a daily show to a movie set?

The transition was much tougher than I expected, because although I got into character quite easily I had to fight the urge to present to a camera or an audience. The toughest part was being able to switch my body language on and off appropriately because I was shooting both the movie and Star Gist concurrently. However once I settled, I was quite happy in my role.

Vimbai says she enjoyed the thrill that came with shooting Finding Love and is looking forward to doing more movies this year. “I really enjoyed the thrill that being on set and getting into character brought. I'm definitely looking forward to working on plenty more movie sets.”

She concludes that she would like the opportunity to work with directors Kunle Afolayan and Hakeem Kae Kazim.

By Africa Magic / DStv Online